Lady’s 7 Best Things to Do in Casablanca

There’s something romantic about Casablanca. Maybe I’ve seen the movie too many times, but this Moroccan city has always had a certain mystique for me. Beyond the film, however, I’ve never actually known what the city has to offer. Now that I’m here, I’m discovering a wealth of things to do in Casablanca.

Casablanca

I arrive in Morocco after a 3-hour-and-20-minute flight from London. A 45-minute drive from the airport finds me on the Atlantic coast, where waves froth on a palm-lined beach.

I’m staying at the Four Seasons, which is right on the ocean, and my room has a view over the water.

Things to Do in Casablanca

I have a day and a half in Morocco’s largest city, which is enough time to cover the main things to do in Casablanca.

1. Go to the Best Restaurants and Bars

After getting settled into my hotel room, I start where I always do: food. Dinner is at Le Petit Rocher restaurant in Casablanca, which has been around since 1932.

Right by the lighthouse on the waterfront, the dining room has panoramic windows with gorgeous views of the ocean and the city’s main mosque.

I enjoy fish soup with razor clams and John Dory en papillote as I watch the sun go down and the bar area fill with the Friday night crowd.

And soon I’m off to Le Cabestan for some Friday evening entertainment of my own. I’m in Casablanca with a friend, and we head to this seafront bar for drinks on the terrace with a view of the waves.

We’ve heard there’s also a replica of Rick’s Cafe from the Casablanca movie in the city, but have been warned that it’s a tourist trap. It’s a shame, as I would have loved to channel my inner Ingrid Bergman in the film’s namesake city.

2. Visit Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

The next morning we head out to explore said city. One of the best things to do in Casablanca is visit the Hassan II Mosque, so we start with that.

Given I love walking, we stroll along the ocean to get there. Along the way we spot colorful street art on the sides of buildings and new parks and gardens that add green touches to the waterfront landscape.

But the most exciting thing about walking to the mosque is the view of the building itself. It’s one of the largest mosques in the world, and its soaring minaret can be seen all along Casablanca’s waterfront.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides and patterned paving stones on the fourth, it’s beautiful from all angles.

We visit the mosque’s museum first, learning about the building techniques, woodwork, plasterwork, and craftsmanship.

We also hear about the building’s history—the mosque was built over a 6-year period and completed in 1993.

Entry to the Hassan II Mosque is by guided tour, so we time our visit to the interior to coincide with one of several opening times.

As soon as we walk in, my eyes are drawn to the ceiling. It’s full of interlocking patterns, and I’m mesmerized by the geometry of it all.

3. Have Lunch at Le Gatsby

The tour of the Hassan II Mosque lasts an hour, and when it’s over we have lunch at a restaurant next door called Le Gatsby.

It has stylish decor and colorful accents, and I love all the greenery lining the walls. My tuna goes down a treat and sets me up for the rest of the day.

4. Explore Quartier Habous in Casablanca

Said day continues in the Quartier Habous. Spending time in this historic area is one of the most exciting things to do in Casablanca, not least because it’s known for its markets.

Along the way, our taxi ride takes us past the famous Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic church, which was completed in 1956 and is a stunning example of European modern architecture.

When we arrive in the Quariter Habous, we start with the markets. They’re smaller than the ones in Marrakech, but still atmospheric.

A warren of arched alleys and tunnels transports us into an old-world souq with everything from ostrich leather slippers to silver teapots and metal lanterns for sale.

The side streets here are also full of character. Arched alleys and secret passageways lure us in, and I can’t help feeling I’m going to stumble upon a great treasure.

5. Get Pastries at Patisserie Bennis in Casablanca

On one such side street, we pop into Patisserie Bennis. This heritage establishment in Casablanca is famous for its baked goods, and sampling them is one of the sweetest things to do in Casablanca.

We enter through a narrow hallway covered in painted tiles and find ourselves in a tiny sweet shop full of everything from almond-flavored pastries to powdered sugar cookies.

Patisserie Bennis is famous for its cornes de gazelle, crescent-shaped pastries with almond filling. We get a box of them and other treats to take home to the hotel with us.

6. Have Afternoon Tea

It’s afternoon tea time when we arrive back at the Four Seasons, and we sit down to enjoy our pastries with Rooibos-infused mocktails.

Live music adds a nice touch, as does the sight of a chocolate fountain next to the hotel’s decadent culinary display.

7. Go to Basmane Restaurant

When evening comes, we head to Basmane restaurant in Casablanca for traditional Moroccan food.

Clay tagines full of steaming fish and lamb fill the table with scents of Moroccan spices while couscous and rice round out the scene.

Moroccan wine goes down a treat as we watch the belly dancers move their hips to the sounds of traditional music.

Best Things to Do in Casablanca

When the evening comes to an end, so does my time discovering all the amazing things to do in Casablanca. But I’m not saying good-bye to Morocco just yet. I’m off to the capital city of Rabat next, so stay tuned for more…

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